TDK’s Envisions a Resilient Homebase in Akita, Japan

Akita, Japan, has a special place in the hearts of people at TDK Corporation (TDK) — it’s where the company’s founder, Kenzo Saito, was born and raised before launching TDK in Tokyo in 1935. Akita is also where TDK is now focusing on a core value initiative of “contributing to culture and industry through creativity.”

Recognizing that Akita has more than historical significance for the company, TDK is actively spearheading community rejuvenation efforts in Akita prefecture with the future in mind.

Akita Prefecture, located in the northern part of Japan's Honshu island along the Sea of Japan, is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural richness. This region boasts a landscape filled with serene rice fields, dense forests, and pristine lakes, such as the famous Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake known for its clear blue water.

Located in northern Japan, Akita's winters can be severe, and the lack of industries other than agriculture means that locals have to endure a tough subsistence existence. This difficult situation fueled a strong determination in the young entrepreneur Kenzo Saito to make a difference, propelling him to pursue success at all costs.

In 1930, at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Drs. Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei discovered Ferrite, a magnetic ceramic made of iron oxides and other components. Motivated by Dr. Kato’s belief that innovation is the key to genuine industry, Kenzo Saito established TDK Corporation (initially Tokyo Denki Kagaku Kogyo K.K.) in 1935 to market ferrite cores. These ferrite cores were used globally for the first time in 1937 in various Japanese wireless communication devices and radios. By the mid-1940s, TDK had distributed around 5 million units.

Supporting TDK Operations and Maintaining a Strong Presence in Japan Today

To sustain and grow TDK’s local manufacturing presence, two key measures are being set in place. Besides revitalizing the community to draw in individuals, TDK plans to introduce labor-efficient methods, such as automating processes, deploying robotics, and advancing digital transformation (DX), making more efficient and effective use of the labor pool. This project’s success serves as a model for other companies and communities struggling with a declining workforce.

“If we increase the number of people who want to work in the city by getting involved in community revitalization and enhancing the charms of the community, this will help us secure human resources in the future.” Noboru Saito, TDK President & CEO

Increased Production

Adding to a production base of nine factories within the prefecture with a total of over 4,500 team members, TDK opened two additional facilities as it continues to grow manufacturing capacity in and around the Akita area:

• Inakura Factory West Site (opened April 2023) is one of TDK's latest expansions, strategically established to bolster the company's production capabilities for the manufacture of advanced electronic components, such as pattern coiled applied products including NFC (near field communication) antennas, which are used in credit cards, and power transfer coils in vehicle smartphone rechargers.

• Kitakami Factory added a new building (opened in neighboring Iwate in April 2024) specializing in producing multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs), a solution for power supply circuits for automotive fields as well as ICT. Behind the high demand for automotive MLCC, the new facility was developed to boost the production system.

Revitalizing the Community

ZiNOBA Employee Housing and Community Gathering Place

ZiNOBA (opened November 2023 - featured cover image shows ZiNOBA buildings) is not merely an employee dormitory—it is a community revitalization project developed as a public-private collaboration with the intention of being good for employees, good for the region, and good for TDK.

The idea is to establish a corporate dormitory within Akita that features living spaces for team members (350 units), as well as shared spaces like a community gym, public spaces, and laundry facilities that are accessible to both employees and local residents. The surrounding area is also being developed with plans to build a nursing home for the elderly, a hospital, and an elementary school by 2027. Additionally, commercial spaces are being offered to businesses within the Prefecture, and there are plans for an additional dormitory in the future.

In keeping with TDK’s sustainability targets, the dormitory's dining hall primarily uses local ingredients and promotes local businesses, closing on holidays to support local eateries. Additionally, the dormitory boasts a communal kitchen, a traditional Japanese hearth, and a space for do-it-yourself projects, attracting residents and volunteers for various events and activities.

TDK Museum

Celebrating TDK’s 80th anniversary in 2015, the TDK Museum was revamped to reflect a new focus on both historical and future perspectives. The museum exhibits videos and interactive displays to clearly illustrate the impact of TDK’s innovations, particularly in ferrite and magnetism, on societal progress. It aims to provide a comprehensive, engaging, and hands-on experience that illustrates TDK's past contributions and future roles in society.

The museum includes a popular restaurant that features seasonal specialties and farm to table cuisine, including a squid, shrimp, and scallop pasta dish looks like a TDK Cassette Tape.

Sports

Embodying the values of the TDK Corporation for teamwork and leadership, the TDK Baseball Team, established as part of the corporate sports activities of TDK Corporation, has a storied history and a reputation for excellence in Japan's amateur baseball scene. The team participates in various regional and national tournaments, showcasing a high level of skill and teamwork that reflects TDK's commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Known for its strong team spirit and competitive prowess, the club has consistently attracted talented players, many of whom have gone on to achieve professional status.

In addition, TDK provides corporate sponsorship for several of the local teams based in Akita, including:

• Blaublitz Akita Soccer Club (originally the TDK Company Soccer Club and currently ranked in the second-highest Japanese soccer league)
• Akita Northern Happinets Professional Basketball Team

To Sum Up

TDK's company dormitory in Akita, Japan, has yielded positive outcomes, serving as a model for corporate-supported community living.

Since its inception, the Akita dormitory complex has been highly successful in attracting young professionals to the region, thereby aiding in local workforce stabilization and development, while improving the quality of life for the team members and strengthening community ties. By integrating local businesses and services, TDK has fostered a symbiotic relationship between the company and the local economy, contributing to regional growth.

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